UP to upgrade lines in Colorado, Illinois

Union Pacific Railroad is spending $12 million to bolster a line between West Chicago and Franklin Grove, Ill.

Crews are replacing about 39,000 concrete ties and installing 8,400 tons of ballast between Elburn and Franklin Grove, and replacing more than 11 miles of rail and renewing surfaces at 20 grade crossings between West Chicago and Elburn. Work began Oct. 1 and is scheduled for completion by mid-December.

UP also has budgeted nearly $11 million to upgrade a line between Sterling and near Messex, Colo. Work, which began Nov. 8, involves replacing more than 18 miles of rail, installing seven switches and renewing surfaces at 23 crossings. Completion is anticipated by mid-December.

The projects are among nearly 1,500 UP plans to complete by year's end across its 32,000-mile network to help improve operating efficiency, reduce motorists' wait times at crossings and enhance safety.